Precipitated silicas

ABSTRACT

Rubber compositions comprising a precipitated silica with the following physicochemical properties:  
                                           BET surface area     35 to 350 m 2 /g         BET/CTAB surface area ratio    0.8 to 1.1         Pore volume, PV    1.6 to 3.4 ml/g         Silanol group density (V 2  =     6 to 20 ml         NaOH consumption)         Average aggregate size    250 to 1500 nm         CTAB surface area     30 to 350 m 2 /g         DBP value    150 to 300 ml/100 g         V 2 /V 1  by Hg porosimetry   0.19 to 0.46         DBP/CTAB    1.2 to 3.5.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to precipitated silicas, to a process for the production thereof and to the use thereof in rubber compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Precipitated silicas may be incorporated into rubber compounds (S. Wolff, Kautschuk and Gummikunstst 7:674 (1988)). Known silicas may be only very poorly dispersed in rubber compounds, particularly at high filling rates. This poor dispersibility is one of the reasons why elevated silica filling rates are used only rarely in tire compounds. One reason for poor dispersibility may lie in the process by which the precipitated silicas are produced. Drying, poor grinding or excessively hard granulation may lead to silica particles which cannot readily be dispersed (filler flecks). These flecks may be seen with the naked eye.

[0003] In addition, silicas are highly polar and therefore have only poor phase compatibility with the non-polar polymers in rubber compounds. This form of dispersion occurs on the basis of the silica aggregates. It may only be evaluated using a light microscope and is known as microdispersion.

[0004] Precipitated silicas which may be used as a filler in rubber compounds for tires are known from EP-A 0 520 862. A precipitated silica is known from published European Patent Application EP-A 0 157 703 which, according to EP-A 0 501 227, may be used as a filler in rubber compounds for tires.

[0005] Known precipitated silicas have the disadvantage that they exhibit poor microdispersion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a precipitated silica with optimum phase compatibility with rubber, polymer and good microdispersion. The invention provides a precipitated silica characterized by the following physicochemical properties: BET surface area   35 to 350 m²/g BET/CTAB surface area ratio  0.8 to 1.1 Pore volume, PV  1.6 to 3.4 ml/g Silanol group density (V₂ =   6 to 20 ml NaOH consumption) Average aggregate size  250 to 1500 nm CTAB surface area   30 to 350 m²/g DBP value  150 to 300 ml/100 g V₂/V₁ by Hg porosimetry 0.19 to 0.46, preferably 0.20 to 0.23 DBP/CTAB  1.2 to 3.5 (typically 1.2 to 2.4).

[0007] The physicochemical properties are determined using the following measurement methods: BET surface area Areameter, Ströhlein, to ISO 5794/Annex D Pore volume Mercury porosimetry to DIN 66 133 Silanol group density in Sears values according to G. W. Sears, Analyt. Chemistry 12, 1982-83 (1956) Average aggregate size Photon correlation spectroscopy CTAB surface area at pH 9 according to Jay, Janzen et al., Rubber Chemistry and Technology 44:1287 (1971) DBP value ASTM D 2414-88 Hg porosimetry DIN 66 133

[0008] The precipitated silica according to the invention may, in particular, have the following physicochemical parameters: BET surface area Hg porosimetry Sears value V₂ Average aggregate size (m²/g) (ml/g) NaOH (ml) (nm)  35-100 2.5-3.4  6-12  900-1500 100-150 2.4-3.2  8-15 400-850 150-200 1.6-2.4 11-19 300-550 200-350 1.6-2.3 12-20 250-520

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the precipitated silica according to the invention has good grindability. This characteristic is represented by the average particle size determined using Malvern laser diffraction (D(4.3)) of ≦11 μm, in particular of ≦10 μm, measured after grinding on an Alpine Kolloplex pin impact mill (Z 160) at a throughput of 6 kg/h.

[0010] The present invention also provides a process for the production of a precipitated silica with the following physicochemical parameters: BET surface area   35 to 350 m²/g BET/CTAB surface area ratio  0.8 to 1.1 Pore volume, PV  1.6 to 3.4 ml/g Silanol group density (V₂ =   6 to 20 ml NaOH consumption) Average aggregate size  250 to 1500 nm CTAB surface area   30 to 350 m²/g DBP value  150 to 300 ml/100 g V₂/V₁ by Hg porosimetry 0.19 to 0.46, preferably 0.20 to 0.23 DBP/CTAB  1.2 to 3.5 (typically 1.2 to 2.4)

[0011] which is characterized in that alkali silicate is reacted with mineral acids at temperatures of 60 to 95° C. while maintaining a pH of 7.5 to 10.5 and continuously stirring, the reaction is continued to a solids concentration in the precipitation suspension of 90 to 120 g/l, the pH value is adjusted to a value of less than or equal to 5, the precipitated silica filtered out, washed, dried and optionally ground or granulated.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, customary commercial sodium water glass may be diluted with water to a pH of 8 to 9 and concentrated sulfuric acid and the same water glass solution may simultaneously be added to this diluted water glass solution which has an SiO₂ content of 4.9 g/l, while maintaining the pH value of 8 to 9. Simultaneous addition of water glass solution and sulfuric acid may be performed over a period (duration of precipitation) of up to 160 minutes, preferably of greater than 90 minutes, in particular within 30 to 90 minutes.

[0013] Depending upon the duration of precipitation, differing BET surface areas of the precipitated silica may be achieved. Thus, at a duration of precipitation of more than 90 minutes, surface areas of 35 to 150 m²/g are achieved and, at a duration of 30 to 90 minutes, surface areas of 150 to 350 m²/g.

[0014] The precipitated silica according to the invention may be modified with organosilanes of the formulas I to III: $\begin{matrix} {\left\lbrack {{R\frac{1}{n}} - {({RO})_{3 - n}{Si}} - ({Alk})_{m} - ({Ar})_{p}} \right\rbrack_{q}\lbrack B\rbrack} & (I) \\ {{{R\frac{1}{n}({RO})_{3 - n}{Si}} - ({Alkyl})}{or}} & ({II}) \\ {{R\frac{1}{n}({RO})_{3 - n}{SI}} - ({Alkenyl})} & ({III}) \end{matrix}$

[0015] in which B: means —SCN, —SH, —Cl, —NH₂ (if q = 1) or —Sx— (if q = 2), R and R¹: mean an alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, the phenyl residue, wherein all residues R and R¹ may each have the same or different meamng, R: means a C₁-C₄ alkyl, - C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, n: means 0, 1 or 2, Alk: means a divalent unbranched or branched hydrocarbon residue with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, m: means 0 or 1, Ar: means an arylene residue with 6 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 6 carbon atoms, p: means 0 or 1, providing that p and n do not simultaneously mean 0, x: means a number from 2 to 8, Alkyl: means a monovalent unbranched or branched unsaturated hydrocarbon residue with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms, Alkenyl: means a monovalent unbranched or branched unsaturated hydrocarbon residue with 2 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0016] Modification with organosilanes may be performed in mixtures of 0.5 to 50 parts of organosilanes, related to 100 parts of precipitated silica, in particular of 2 to 15 parts, related to 100 parts of precipitated silica, wherein the reaction between the precipitated silica and silane may be performed during compounding (in situ) or outside the compounding process (premodified). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, bis (triethoxy-silylpropyl) tetrasulphane may be used as the silane.

[0017] The precipitated silica according to the invention may be incorporated into vulcanizable rubber compounds as a reinforcing filler in quantities of 5 to 200 parts, related to 100 parts of rubber, as a powder, microbeads or granules both with and without silane modification. One or more of the above-stated silanes may be added, together with the silica according to the invention, to the rubber compound, wherein the reaction between the filler and silane proceeds during the compounding process at elevated temperatures (in situ modification), or in already premodified form (see, for example, German patent DE 40 04 781), i.e. the two reactants are reacted outside the actual compounding process.

[0018] In addition to compounds exclusively containing the silicas according to the invention with and without organosilanes according to formulae I to III, the rubber compounds may additionally be reinforced with one or more fillers having a greater or lesser reinforcing action. It would primarily be customary in this connection to use a blend of carbon blacks (for example furnace, gas, flame, acetylene blacks) and the silicas according to the invention, with or without silane, but also of natural fillers, such as for example clays, siliceous chalks, other commercial silicas and the silicas according to the invention.

[0019] The blending ratio, as with the quantity of organosilane added, depends in this connection on the range of properties to be achieved in the finished rubber compound. A ratio of 5-95% between the silicas according to the invention and the other above-stated fillers, i.e., the silica according to the invention is 5-95% by weight of the mixture of fillers, is conceivable and is also achieved in this context.

[0020] Apart from the silicas according to the invention, the organosilanes and other fillers, the elastomers comprise a further important constituent of the rubber blend. The silicas according to the invention may be used in any types of rubber which may be vulcanized with accelerators/sulphur or also peroxide curable rubbers. Rubbers which may be cited in this connection are natural or synthetic elastomers, oil-extended or not, as a single polymer or blend with other rubbers such as for example natural rubbers, butadiene rubbers, isoprene rubbers, butadiene/styrene rubbers, in particular SBR produced using the solution polymerization process, butadiene/acrylonitrile rubbers, butyl rubbers, terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and unconjugated dienes. The following additional rubbers may also be considered for use in rubber compounds: carboxyl rubbers; epoxy rubbers; transpolypentenamers; halogenated butyl rubbers; 2-chlorobutadiene rubbers; ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers; ethylene/propylene copolymers; optionally together with chemical derivatives of natural rubber and modified natural rubbers. Customary further constituents such as plasticizers, stabilizers, activators, pigments, antioxidants and processing auxiliaries in customary quantities are also known.

[0021] The silicas according to the invention, with and without silane, may be used in any rubber applications, such as for example tires, conveyor belts, seals, V-belts, tubes, shoe soles etc.

[0022] Dispersion, i.e. the distribution of a substance (filler) in a polymer compound, is of vital significance to the subsequent properties of the article containing this substance. Tear strength values in particular (tensile strength, elongation at break, tear propagation resistance), but also hysteresis and abrasion values are highly dependent upon dispersion (Schweitzer, et al., Rubber World 138:809 (1958) and 139:74 (1958); Hess, et al., Rubber Chem. Tech., 36:1191 (1963)).

[0023] The significance of this parameter to rubber properties is accompanied by a lack of options for exactly measuring it, or many of the most commonly used methods allow only a subjective examination and assessment of dispersion. The most widely used methods for measuring dispersion are described in ASTM D 2663-88 and were all developed to measure the dispersion of carbon black in rubber, but may however also be used to measure the dispersion of silica-filled compounds, provided that the compound contains only this filler and not blends, for example carbon black and silica.

[0024] One of the three methods described in the above-mentioned standard involves visual examination with the naked eye or slight magnification under the microscope and photographic recording of the vulcanizate samples, wherein the result is assessed against 5 standard photographs using a numbered scale from 1 to 5. Another method is to count filler agglomerates with a size of ≦5 μm. To this end, a microtome section of the vulcanizate is prepared and the percentage of the area occupied by these agglomerates is determined by transmission light microscopy. Here too, dispersion is divided into classes. A third option is scanning the surface roughness of the vulcanizate with a needle. In this manner, the number and average height of surface roughness is measured. As with method 2, the roughness factor is converted into a dispersion index from very good to very poor. The microscopic method (for example 30 times magnification), in which dispersion in the vulcanizate is assessed against a numbered scale from 1 to 10 using 10 standard photographs is presently the most commonly used method, which, although subjective, is rapid, meaningful and most suited to laboratory operation.

[0025] Dispersion and its evaluation described above constitute a property of the silica in the polymer compound. In order to be able to predict the subsequent dispersion behavior of a silica in the polymer compound before it is compounded, for example with rubber, the person skilled in the art makes use of the grindability of the silica. In other words, the grindability of the silica and its subsequent dispersion, for example in rubber, largely correlate. This grindability may inter alia be characterized by the energy required to achieve a particular particle fineness, or conversely by the particle fineness achieved when a grinder is operated at the same power and product throughput. The mill used is an Alpine-Kolloplex pin impact mill (Z 160) operated at a constant product throughput of 6 kg/h.

[0026] Particle fineness is characterized by the average, volume-weighted particle diameter MTG (D(4.3)) measured by laser diffraction (Malvern Instruments, model 2600c). Values of ≦11 μm, in particular of ≦10 μm, are achieved for the silicas according to the invention, which are higher in customary silicas (≧12 μm). It has also been found that, due to the process by which the silicas are produced, the silicas according to the invention are already so fine that, in contrast with conventional products, they require no further grinding for many industrial applications and thus also offer economic advantages.

[0027] The present invention also provides vulcanizable rubber compounds which contain the precipitated silicas according to the invention in quantities of 5 to 200 parts, related to 100 parts of rubber. Incorporation of this silica and production of the compounds containing this silica proceed in the manner customary in the rubber industry in an internal mixer or roll mill. The silica may be presented or used as powder, microbeads or granules. In this respect too, the silicas according to the invention do not differ from known, light silicate fillers.

[0028] Due to the above-stated differences, the precipitated silicas according to the invention lead to improved dispersion properties at a constant surface area compared with standard silicas. The silicas according to the invention also exhibit better properties in relation to some other technically important rubber parameters. The following properties may be mentioned, higher modulus, lower tan 6 as a measure of tire rolling resistance, better abrasion resistance, lower T-center values, better wet skid resistance, better rebound resilience, better heat build-up performance and better viscosity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The following examples illustrate the invention:

[0030] The following substances are used in the examples: First Latex Crepe natural rubber Ultrasil VN 2 precipitated silica (Degussa AG) with an N₂ surface area of 125 m²/g Ultrasil VN 3 precipitated silica (Degussa AG) with an N₂ surface area of 175 m²/g CBS benzothiazyl-2-cyclohexylsulphenamide TMTM tetramethylthiuram monosulphide Si 69 bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetra- silane (Degussa AG) DEG diethylene glycol VSL 1955 S 25 solution polymerized styrene/butadiene rubber with a styrene content of 25% and a vinyl content of 55% (Bayer AG) DPG diphenylguanidine Vulkanox 4020 N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N-phenyl-p- phenylenediamine (Bayer AG) Protector G 35 ozone protective wax ZBED zinc dibenzylthiocarbamate Buna CB 24 butadiene rubber from Bunawerke Hüls Naftolene ZD aromatic mineral oil plasticizer Hisil 210 silica from PPG with an N₂ surface area of approx. 130 m²/g Hisil 255 silica from PPG with an N₂ surface area of approx. 170 m²/g KS 300 silica from Akzo with an N₂ surface area of approx. 125 m²/g KS 404 silica from Akzo with an N₂ surface area of approx. 175 m²/g

[0031] The following test standards were used: Test Unit Standard Tensile stress MPa DIN 53 504 Compression set B % ASTM D 395 Loss angle tan δ — DIN 53 513 DIN abrasion mm³ DIN 53 516 Firestone ball rebound % AD 20 405 Mooney viscosity ME DIN 53 523/524 Goodrich flexometer ASTM D 623 A

EXAMPLES Example 1

[0032] Production of a Silica According to the Invention with an N₂ Surface Area in the Range 100 m²/g

[0033] 43.5 m³ of hot water is introduced into a vat and customary commercial sodium waterglass (weight modulus 3.42, density 1.348) is stirred in a quantity such that a pH of 8.5 is achieved. While maintaining a precipitation temperature of 88° C. and pH 8.5, 16, 8 m³ of the same water glass and sulfuric acid (96%) are simultaneously added within 150 minutes from opposite positions. A solids content of 100 g/l is produced. Further sulfuric acid is then added until a pH of <5 is achieved. The solids are separated in presses, washed and the pressed paste dried by spray drying or in a rotary kiln and optionally ground.

[0034] The precipitated silica obtained has an N₂ surface area of 80 m²/g, an aggregate size of 1320 nm and grindability of 10 μm. The Sears value (V₂) is 9.0 ml and Hg porosimetry 2.7 ml/g. The CTAB surface area is 75 m²/g. The DBP value is 236 ml/100 g. The V₂/V₁ ratio is 0.327. The DBP/CTAB ratio is 3.5.

Example 2

[0035] Production of a Silica According to the Invention with an N₂ Surface Area of the 100-150 m²/g Range

[0036] The same procedure is used as in Example 1, with the exception that a pH value of 9.0 is maintained in the initial precipitation batch and during precipitation. After 135 minutes, a solids content of 98 g/l is achieved in the precipitation suspension.

[0037] The precipitated silica obtained has an N₂ surface area of 120 m²/g, grindability of 8.8 μm, a Sears value of 9.1 ml at an aggregate size of 490 nm and an Hg pore volume of 2.85 ml/g. The DBP value is 270 ml/100 g. The CTAB surface area is 115 m²/g. The DBP/CTAB ratio is 2.34.

Example 3

[0038] Production of a Silica According to the Invention with an N₂ Surface Area in the 150-200 m²/g Range

[0039] The same procedure is used as in Example 2, with the difference that the precipitation time is shortened to 76 minutes and the precipitation temperature reduced to 80° C. After this period, a solids content in the precipitation suspension of 100 g/l is achieved. The precipitated silica obtained has the following physicochemical parameters: BET surface area  184 m²/g grindability of  8.7 μm Sears value 15.7 ml

[0040] at an aggregate size of 381 nm, Hg pore volume 2.26 ml/g. The CTAB surface area is 165 m²/g. The DBP value is 255 ml/100 g. The V₂V₁ ratio is 0.2080 to 0.2299. The DBP/CTAB ratio is 1.545.

Example 4

[0041] Determination of Pore Volume by Hg Porosimetry on Silicas According to the Invention Compared with Some Presently Known Commercial Standard Silicas

[0042] Process: Hg—Porosimetry according to DIN 66 133 injection process 7-500 bar N₂ surface area (m²/g): 100-150 Product Name N₂ surface area (m²/g) Pore Volume Hisil 210 130 1.54 KS 300 125 1.98 Ultrasil VN 2 125 1.82 Silica according to the 120 2.85 invention (Example 2) N₂ surface area (m²/g): 150-200 Product Name N₂ surface area (m²/g) Pore Volume (ml/g) Hisil 255 170 1.13 KS 404 175 1.66 Ultrasil VN 3 175 1.46 Silica according to the 184 2.26 invention (example 3)

[0043] The silicas according to the invention have a distinctly higher pore volume.

Example 5

[0044] Comparison of Sears Value (V₂) as a Measure of the OH Group Density of the Silicas According to the Invention with Standard Commercial Silicas N₂ surface V₂ (ml) = NaOH consumption Product name area (m²/g) (ml/g) N₂ surface area (m²/g): 100-150 Hisil 210 130 16.8 KS 300 125 16.1 Ultrasil VN 2 125 15   Silica according to the 129  9.1 invention (Example 2) N₂ surface area (m²/g): 150-200 Hisil 255 170 16.9 KS 404 175 16.9 Ultrasil VN 3 175 20.7 Silica according to the 184 15.7 invention (example 3)

[0045] The lower V₂=NaOH consumption, the lower is the OH group density. The comparison shows that the silicas according to the invention may have a silanol group density of up to 40% lower than known precipitated silicas.

Example 6

[0046] Determination of Average Aggregate Size by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy

[0047] Parameters: Ultrasound time: 15′ Suspending agent: Isopropanol/pentanol 10:1 Weight: 30 mg silica per 10 ml suspending agent N₂ surface Product name area (m²/g) Average aggregate size (nm) N₂ surface area (m²/g): 100-150 Hisil 210 130 254 KS 303 125 197 Ultrasil VN 2 125 191 Silica according to the 120 490 invention (example 2) N₂ surface area (m²/g): 150-200 Hisil 255 170 152 KS 404 175 218 Ultrasil VN 3 175 167 Silica according to the 184 381 invention (example 3)

[0048] The average aggregate size of the silicas according to the invention is distinctly greater than that of the known precipitated silicas.

Example 7

[0049] Silica According to Example 2 of the Invention in Comparison with Ultrasil VN 2 in a Natural Rubber Formulation with Si 69 1 2 First Latex Crepe 100 100 Ultrasil VN 2 50 — Silica according to Example 2 — 50 of the invention Zn0 RS 4 4 Stearic acid 2 2 DEG 1 1 Si 69 3.2 3.2 CBS 1.6 1.6 TMTM 0.3 0.3 Sulfur 0.8 0.8 Mooney viscosity (MU) 77 69 Vulcanizate data: 150° C./t_(95%) 300% modulus (MPa) 8.1 9 Ball rebound (%) 56.3 58.6 DIN abrasion (mm3) 125 114 Goodrich flexometer 81.2 70.8 (0.175″, 108 N, RT, 18 h) T-center (° C.) MTS (DIN 53 513) tan δ/60° C.

[0050] In comparison with Ultrasil VN 2, which is comparable in surface area, the silica according to Example 2 of the invention leads to lower viscosities, higher modulus and resilience values, improved abrasion, lower heat build-up and lower loss angle tan at 60° C. and thus lower rolling resistance.

Example 8

[0051] Silica According to the Invention (Example 3) in Comparison with Ultrasil VN 3 in a Solution-SBR/BR Tire Tread Formulation with Si 69 1 2 VSL 1955 S 25 96 96 Buna CB 24 30 30 Silica according to the — 80 invention (example 3) Zn0 RS 3 3 Stearic acid 2 2 Naftolen ZD 10 10 Vulkanox 4020 1.5 1.5 Protektor G 35 1 1 Si 69 6.4 6.4 CBS 1.5 1.5 DPG 2 2 ZBED 0.2 0.2 Sulfur 1.5 1.5 Mooney viscosity (MU) 72 68 Vulcanizate data: 150° C./t_(95%) 300% modulus (MPa) 8.9 9.3 Ball rebound (%) 52.6 54.7 MTS (DIN 53 513) tan δ 0° C. 0.480 0.501 tan δ 0° C. 0.152 0.144

[0052] In comparison with VN 3, the silica according to the invention has lower viscosity, higher modulus, higher elasticity and, particularly importantly, higher wet skid resistance with low rolling resistance.

Example 9

[0053] Comparison of Dispersion of Silica According to the Invention (Example 2) Compared with VN 2 (Identical N₂ Surface Area of Approx. 120 m²/g) (Using the Philipps Methods, Described in Technical Information Brochure 102 A)

[0054] A piece of rubber approximately 20-30 μm in thickness (area approx. 5×5 mm) is cut using a Vibracut apparatus from FTB-Feinwerktechnik from a 6 mm sheet of vulcanizate of the formulation according to example 8 filled with 80 parts of Ultrasil VN 2 or of the silica according to the invention from Example 2, related to 100 parts of rubber. This sample of rubber is transferred onto a glass slide and covered with a second glass slide. The sample prepared in this manner is examined under a light microscope with a reflected light attachment and reproduced as a negative image with 55-times magnification. A positive image with the desired final magnification is prepared from this negative.

[0055] Dispersion is assessed according to the Philipps method using 10 standard photographs as stated below: Number Dispersion 1-2 very poor 3-4 poor 5-6 adequate 7-8 good  9-10 very good

[0056] The dispersion of Ultrasil VN 2 is rated at 5 and is thus adequate, the dispersion of the silica according to the invention from Example 2 is rated at 9 and is thus very good.

Example 10

[0057] Comparison of Dispersion of Silica According to the Invention from Example 3 with Ultrasil VN 3 (Identical N₂ Surface Area of Approx. 175 m²/g) Formulation, Procedure and Assessment are Performed in a Similar Manner to Example 9

[0058] The dispersion of Ultrasil VN 3 is rated at 2 and is thus very poor, the dispersion of the silica according to Example 3 of the invention is rated at 8 and is thus good.

Example 11

[0059] Determination of Dispersion by Roughness Measurement Using a Federal Dispersion Analysis EM D-4000-W7 Unit. Comparison of Ultrasil VN 2 with the Silica According to the Invention from Example 2

[0060] A piece of rubber (20×2 mm) is cut using a cutting device also supplied by the above-stated equipment manufacturer from a 2 mm sheet of vulcanizate of the formulation according to Example 8 filled with 80 parts of Ultrasil VN 2 or with the silica according to the invention from Example 2, related to 100 parts of rubber, and is fixed into a holder provided by the equipment manufacturer. The surface of the vulcanizate is scanned using a diamond needle and the surface roughness caused by dispersion so determined. This process allows dispersion to be quantified as the device determines a value F²H. F means the number of peaks and H their average height. Thus, the lower the value of this parameter, the better is the dispersion of the filler in the vulcanizate sample.

[0061] For the above-stated fillers, the parameter F²H gave the following values: Silica according to the Ultrasil VN 2 invention (example 2) F²H 82366 32556

[0062] The silica according to the invention thus has distinctly better dispersion. This method thus confirms the results from Example 9.

Example 12

[0063] Comparison of Dispersion of Ultrasil VN 3 with the Silica According to the Invention from Example 3 Using the Roughness Measurement from Example 11

[0064] The filling rate and procedure are here similar to those in Example 11. Silica according to the Ultrasil VN 3 invention (example 3) F²H 55601 22602

[0065] The silica according to the invention has distinctly better dispersion characteristics than VN 3. This method confirms the results found in example 10.

[0066] Example 13

Determination of the Sears Number

[0067] It is possible to determine the silanol surface groups of silicas and silicates by a titration procedure which has been put forward by Sears (Anal. Chem., pp. 1956 (1981)). The specific consumption of potassium hydroxide solution is primarily a function of the specific surface area, the silanol group density as well as the extent of a possible hydrophobisation of the surface under the given experimental conditions. The method implemented here may be also used for hydrophobic silica and silicates. This procedure refers to 5 g test material.

[0068] A. Principle

[0069] Following Sears, the determination of the surface area of colloidal silica is based on the titration with base after adding sodium chloride solution having a concentration of 250 g/l. The acid reaction of the surface silanol groups results in ion-exchange in the presence of electrolyte solution.

≡SiOH+NaCI→≡SiONa+HCI

[0070] The protons resulting from ion-exchange are backtitrated with 0.1N potassium hydroxide (KOH). Before adding electrolyte solution the suspension is adjusted to a defined pH-value in order to obtain comparable measuring data. Furthermore, the titration is carried out in a methanole-water mixture for using the method for hydrophobic silicas and silicates as well (wettability).

[0071] First, the starting pH-value of test material in a methanol-water mixture is determined. During the pH determination the suspension is agitated. Afterwards the pH-value is adjusted to pH 6 either using hydrochloric acid or potassium hydroxide. After adding sodium chloride solution automatically, which causes a drop in pH-value, the suspension is titrated using potassium hydroxide to pH 9 for the determination of the Sears number.

[0072] B. Equipment

[0073] Precision balance (t 0.01 g)

[0074] Automatic titrator (e.g. Mettler Toledo Memotitrator DL 67, DL 70 or equivalent titration apparatus equipped with

[0075] 10 ml burette for the dosage of 0.1N HCI

[0076] 20 ml burette for the dosage of 0.1N KOH

[0077] pH electrode (e.g. Mettler Toledo, model DG 111 SC)

[0078] Pump (e.g. Mettler Toledo, model SP 250)

[0079] Printer

[0080] Titration cell (e.g. Mettler Toledo)

[0081] Ultra-turrax: 8000-24000 rpm; or equivalent device

[0082] Thermostat

[0083] Two Dispenser (10-100 ml) to dosage methanole and de-ionized water, respectively or two measuring cylinder (100 ml)

[0084] Measuring flask (1000 ml), to prepare sodium chloride solution

[0085] 1 I storage bottle for sodium chloride solution

[0086] 1 I storage bottle for de-ionized water

[0087] Measuring cylinder (100 ml)

[0088] IKA mill M20 or equivalent mill

[0089] Beaker, 500 ml

[0090] C. Reagents

[0091] Methanole p.a.

[0092] NaCI p.a.

[0093] (250±0.1) g NaCI are weighed into a 500 ml beaker and dissolved in de-ionized water. The solution is transferred quantitatively into a 1 liter measuring flask and filled up to the mark.

[0094] 0.1N HCI

[0095] 0.1N KOH

[0096] De-ionized water

[0097] Buffer solution pH 7 (e.g. Merck)

[0098] Buffer solution pH 9 (e.g. Merck)

[0099] D. Procedure

[0100] 1. Sample Preparation

[0101] Approx. 10 g of the sample are subjected to fine grinding for 60 s using an IKA mill.

[0102] 2. Execution

[0103] (2.50±0.01) g pre-treated test material is weighed using a precision balance into a 250 ml titration cell.

[0104] Using a dispenser or measuring flask, respectively, 60 ml methanole is added.

[0105] After complete wetting 40 ml de-ionized water is given to the suspension by means of a dispenser or measuring cylinder.

[0106] The suspension is dispersed homogeneously for 30s by means of an Ultra-turrax at approx. 20000 rpm.

[0107] The particles adhering to the container wall and the stirrer are flushed into the suspension with 100 ml de-ionized water.

[0108] Thermical equilibration of the suspension is carried out with a thermostat to (25.0±0.5)° C. for at least 20 minutes.

[0109] The pH electrode is calibrated using buffer solutions pH 7 and pH 9.

[0110] Then the titration cell is mounted to the automatic titrator, the pH electrode is immersed into the suspension and the supply pipes for HCI and KOH solutions are installed. After that the titration method “Sears number” is initialized. Having started the titration method the suspension is stirred for 120 s first. After subsequent adjustment of the pH-value to pH=6, a volume of 20 ml sodium chloride solution is automatically given to the suspension. Then the suspension is titrated to pH=9 with 0.1N KOH.

[0111] 3. Results

[0112] After finishing the titration procedure an automatical output of the titration curve and the following results take place: Result 1 (R1) pH starting pH-value Result 2 (R2) V1 [ml/5 g], in case of adjusting the pH-value to pH 6 with 0.1 N HCl Result 3 (R3) II. [ml/5 g], in case of adjusting the pH-value to pH 6 with 0.1 N KOH Result 4 (R4) V2 [ml/5 g], Sears number

[0113] The results R1, R2 and R3 are specified with two decimal places, R4 with one decimal place. The titration volume V2, which refers to 5 g test material, is denoted as the Sears number.

[0114] E. Remarks

[0115] The procedure has been used for many years. In principle the titration of functional groups on the surface of highly dispersed powders is a time-controlled process, since diffusion processes must be accounted for aggregated particles in the colloidal range. Consequently, it is necessary to pay attention to a sufficient long equilibration time period. We have found that 5 seconds may be taken as a reasonable compromise between time exposure and reproducibility in the case of carefully milled samples and relatively small volume steps.

[0116] Silica is subject to relatively fast dissolution at pH>7.5 in aqueous solutions with high salt concentration. The saturation concentration is approx. 2 mmol/l at room temperature. To keep the influence of dissolved silica species (orthosilicic acid and oligomers) relatively small, the titration period with pH>7.5 must not exceed 15 min.

[0117] To achieve a proper termination at pH 9, the sample must be milled very finely. Samples which are ground only coarsely may cause an unclean titration curve in the range 8.5-8.9. It is likely that this leads to a premature termination and, hence, to a reduced consumption of base. In this case the sample must be re-milled. Then a replicate has to be carried out.

[0118] Although 2.5 g sample are used, the results are related to 5 g test material. If only little amounts of sample are available, it is also possible to use smaller amounts; though this has to be annotated. In the case of using the Memotitrator of Mettler Toledo, the weight-in quantity is to be stored under the menu item “Sample Input” with a precision of t 0.01 g.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0119] The drawings compare the essential physicochemical parameters of the precipitated silica according to the invention with those of known precipitated silica. The drawings show: the ratio of CTB to DBP FIGS. 2 to 4 the ratio of CTAB to DBP the ratio of CTAB to V₂/V₁ the ratio of CTAB to DBP/CTAB. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vulcanizable rubber composition comprising a vulcanizable rubber and a precipitated silica having the following physico chemical properties: BET surface area   35 to 350 m²/g BET/CTAB surface area ratio  0.8 to 1.1 Pore volume, PV  1.6 to 3.4 ml/g Silanol group density (V₂ =   6 to 20 ml NaOH consumption) Average aggregate size  250 to 1500 nm CTAB surface area   30 to 350 m²/g DBP value  150 to 300 ml/100 g V₂/V₁ by Hg porosimetry 0.19 to 0.46 DBP/CTAB  1.2 to 3.5.


2. The vulcanizabled rubber composition of claim 1, wherein the particle fineness of said precipitated silica is less than or equal to 11 μm.
 3. The vulcanizabled rubber composition of claim 1, wherein the particle fineness of said precipitated silica is less than or equal to 10 μm.
 4. A vulcanized rubber compound comprising a precipitated silica having the following physico chemical properties: BET surface area   35 to 350 m²/g BET/CTAB surface area ratio  0.8 to 1.1 Pore volume, PV  1.6 to 3.4 ml/g Silanol group density (V₂ =   6 to 20 ml NaOH consumption) Average aggregate size  250 to 1500 nm CTAB surface area   30 to 350 m²/g DBP value  150 to 300 ml/100 g V₂/V₁ by Hg porosimetry 0.19 to 0.46 DBP/CTAB  1.2 to 3.5.


5. The vulcanized rubber compound of claim 4, wherein the particle fineness of said precipitated silica is less than or equal to 11 μm.
 6. The vulcanized rubber compound of claim 4, wherein the particle fineness of said precipitated silica is less than or equal to 10 μm. 